CNET has named Disney Plus the top streaming platform for children in 2025, praising its balance of educational and entertaining content along with strong parental controls. The review highlights several other services offering family-friendly options, from free apps to subscription-based libraries packed with popular shows and movies. Factors like content variety, safety features, and pricing were key in the evaluations.
In its latest guide, CNET evaluated various streaming services to determine the best options for kids, focusing on content quality, age-appropriateness, and user experience. Disney Plus emerged as the overall winner due to its extensive catalog spanning Disney classics, Marvel adventures, Star Wars epics, Pixar animations, and National Geographic explorations. The platform allows parents to set content ratings with a four-digit PIN and includes a kid-proof exit to prevent unauthorized profile changes. Subscriptions start at $12 per month with ads, though ad-free tiers are available at higher prices.
Paramount Plus stands out for its Nickelodeon-heavy lineup, featuring favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants, iCarly, Paw Patrol, and Rugrats, alongside originals such as Big Nate. It offers kids' modes with age-based adjustments and costs $8 for the ad-supported plan or $13 ad-free. Netflix provides a broad selection for all ages, including CoComelon, Octonauts, and DreamWorks titles, with robust parental controls and a dedicated kids' experience. Its ad-based plan is $8 monthly, while ad-free is $18.
For broader animation fans, HBO Max delivers Cartoon Network staples like Adventure Time and We Bare Bears, plus Sesame Street and DC heroes, organized by age groups from preschool to teens. Pricing ranges from $11 with ads to $23 for 4K ad-free. Free alternatives include PBS Kids, offering ad-free educational shows like Sesame Street and Arthur, accessible via apps on multiple devices. HappyKids provides 110,000 titles with categories for different ages and languages, though it includes ads. Kidoodle TV targets children under 12 with vetted content like Lego and Pokemon, free with optional $5 premium to remove ads.
CNET considered elements such as parental controls, ad presence, interface ease, and value for money in testing. While paid services dominate for depth, free options like PBS Kids appeal for no-cost access to quality programming. The guide notes upcoming changes, like a combined Hulu and Disney Plus app, potentially expanding choices further.
